Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice
A delightful meal combining tender chicken with a rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan rice, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Scampi
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound slightly for even cooking
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons olive oil Divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation of Rice
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the rice, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for about 18 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
- While the rice cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, covering it to keep warm.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
- Allow the liquid to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it is coated with the sauce.
- Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Finishing the Garlic Parmesan Rice
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, and stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Add the cooked rice, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper, mixing thoroughly to combine.
Serving
- Serve the chicken scampi alongside the garlic parmesan rice, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.
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Notes
For the best results, pound the chicken breasts slightly for even cooking. Adjust seasonings to taste and consider adding a splash of lemon zest before serving for extra freshness. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days.